Cherwell League Week 11 - 18th July 2026
Week 11 bought about big opportunities for the three teams to put points on the board. The 1sts hosted Chearsley, who sat bottom of the division without a win this season, whilst the 2nds travelled to Bicester and North Oxford, who sat below them in the league. Last but by no means least, the 3rds hosted Twyford at Gawcott.
At Brackley, it was the visitors who won the toss and chose to bat first. Their plan was to bat long, make Brackley suffer in the heat and put a score on the board that was difficult to chase. As it turned out, none of that happened. Chearsley’s opening pair looked well organised and secure for the first couple of overs but when Josh Markham removed their dangerous opener, regular wickets then followed. Markham and Josh Rowland took four wickets a piece as they ran through the Chearsley batting order. Supported by some good fielding and catching, Chearsley reachd 51-8 before a 10th wicket partnership pushed the scoreboard on. The introduction of Mikey Lowe soon finished off the innings as Chearsley were bowled out for 93.
Tea was taken and Brackley’s focus turned to ensuring that the run chase went smoothly. The first ball was a good sign as Eric Carpenter played a lovely flick off the legs for four runs. Runs continued to flow, with the only negative being an blow to the hand for Will Hedger which saw him retire hurt. Adam Wirth came in and looked in good touch as he picked off the bad ball with ease. Chearsley pushed hard for wickets, trying to build pressure by bringing in the field. Wirth’s response was emphatic, with back to back fours back past the bowler. He eventually fell for a well made 46, but Carpenter (34*) was at the other end to see Brackley home to win by 9 wickets and ensure everything was done and dusted by 4.30pm.
The 2nds travelled to Bicester & North Oxford 3s. Batting first, regular wickets fell as some batters made a start but couldn’t push on. A fightback led by Andy Godbold (34) and Olly Jeffs (31) pushed Brackley up to 170 all out, which was a good effort having been 49-4.
Bicester built their innings steadily, reaching 65-1 before the introduction of Matt Lowe. Lowe bowled very tightly, only going for 10 runs from his 10 overs and taking 3 wickets in the process. Matt Lemon, Nick Wootton and Chris Roshan also chipped in with wickets as Bicester stumbled. Unfortunately for Brackley, it wasn’t enough as Bicester reached the target to win by 1 wicket.
The 3rds hosted Twyford with a side that was mixed with youth and experience. Brackley batted first, with Stuart Green continuing his good form for a well made 48. However, there wasn’t much else as Brackley were bowled out for 91. It wasn’t enough runs, as Twyford chased down the target to win by 8 wickets. Green (1-10) and Louis Raygada (1-19) with the wickets.